28/10/2024
โRoundโ - What does it mean to make your horse round?
Contrary to what many believe, round, when it pertains to the horse, is not in the neck but rather in the back. Sadly, the hyper fixation on having a particular head set is part of a larger problem which stems from the lack of understanding in what a properly moving horse looks like, as well as how horses use their body to help themselves balance and move when they lack the physical strength and training to be in self carriage. Any position, regardless of whether it is considered โhealthyโ and correct, if held consistently throughout the ride will create tension. Suppleness is brought by constant changes in posture throughout the training session, however these position can never be forced or held by the rider, only encouraged and guided.
Roundness itself refers to the back of the horse, who through correct training is able to carry himself with his hind as opposed to pulling himself along and โgrabbing groundโ with the forelegs. The measure of self carriage is by assessing the angle of the spine and the engagement of the abdominal muscles and hind end through high-level movements.
Are you interested in learning more about anatomically-correct saddle fit to support your horseโs health and welfare?
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